Identity Theft FAQ
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission processed 2.6 million fraud reports totaling more than $10 billion in losses. The most common categories for fraud complaints were imposter scams; online shopping issues; followed by prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; investment-related reports; and business and job opportunity scams. The most common method scammers use to reach consumers is through e-mail. Phone calls are the second most common method, followed by text messages.
If you are the victim of identity theft, please report it to the DPD.
Identity Theft FAQ
In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission processed 1.4 million fraud reports totaling $1.48 billion in losses. The most common categories for fraud complaints were imposter scams, debt collection and identity theft. Credit card fraud was most prevalent in identity theft cases — more than 167,000 people reported a fraudulent credit card account was opened with their information. The frequency of data breaches and cyber-attacks are constantly in the news. If you are the victim of identity theft, please report it to the DPD.
If you are the victim of Identity Theft, a Detective will request several documents to help expedite the investigation. At a minimum, the assigned Detective will ask you for the following information:
1. Go to the Federal Trade Commission website and file an identity theft report. Once this is filed with the FTC, provide a copy of the filed report to the Detective:
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2. Monthly bank statement(s) of the affected account(s) during the time period when the fraudulent activity had occurred;
3. A copy of the fraud report, or the report number, that was filed with the financial institution (bank or credit card institution), and the fraud department point of contact;
4. Check your credit report for other fraudulently opened accounts. If it is determined that accounts have been opened, dispute those accounts with the credit reporting agency;
5. Freeze your credit with all 3 credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, & Trans Union), and ask for a fraud alert to be placed on the credit report file.
For more information regarding Identity Theft, please visit the US Federal Trade Commissions Identity Theft website.
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Another good resource for dealing with identity theft is Atlanta’s own Consumer Reporter, Clark Howard. His website can be found below:
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